Temperature Water Quality Standards for the Columbia, Lower Columbia and Lower Snake ... · 2020. 2. 26. · sensitive aquatic life designated uses in the Columbia and Lower Snake

U.S. EPA Region 10 DRAFT – January 8, 2020

1

Temperature Water Quality Standards for the Columbia, Lower Columbia and Lower Snake Rivers

The purpose of this memo is to identify the applicable temperature water quality standards (WQS) for the Columbia and Lower Snake Rivers, including those WQS that have been federally promulgated or adopted by the five governments with jurisdiction over these rivers: Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Spokane Tribe of Indians, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Identifying the applicable WQS is the first step in understanding the extent and frequency of impairments, and in developing in-stream water quality targets that can be used to measure water quality improvement. In some cases, point source implementation policies specific to temperature have also been incorporated into this document if we believe those policies might influence the development of in-stream targets or potential future source reduction strategies. This document is not, however, an exhaustive resource for those seeking to understand point source implementation procedures.

The temperature WQS have been developed by the five governments to protect the most sensitive aquatic life designated uses in the Columbia and Lower Snake Rivers, such as salmonid spawning, rearing and migration. The WQS are often complex to interpret and complicated to compare. For example, eleven different numeric criteria between 11 °C and 22 °C apply at various locations in the river system at various times, and are designed to protect a variety of aquatic life uses. These numeric criteria often have different averaging periods (e.g., 7-Day Average Daily Maximum, Daily Average) and/or temporal ranges (e.g., Oct 1 – Mar 31, June 1 – Sept 1).

In order to clearly identify the applicable criteria and uses, EPA has compiled and organized the temperature WQS into fourteen different jurisdictional reaches (Reaches A-N). These reaches are illustrated in Figure 1 and summarized in Table 1. A detailed description of each applicable standard is included in Sections 1-3. Section 4 contains a month-by-month summary of the temperature WQS for each reach, allowing for a side-by-side comparison of WQS in adjacent river reaches throughout the year.

Navigating this Document

Figure 1 (P. 3) displays the locations of each of the state and tribal jurisdictions along the Columbia and Snake Rivers (Reaches A-N). The map legend contains the following information for each of the fourteen jurisdictional reaches: Jurisdiction, River Name, and River Miles. As an example, an Oregon reach for the lower Columbia River, identified as “Reach H”, which extends from river mile 309 to river mile 0, is labeled this way in the Figure 1 legend: H_OR_Columbia_RM309_RM0. Table 1 (P. 4) summarizes the temperature WQS for each of the fourteen jurisdictional reaches (Reaches A-N).

In the following sections, the jurisdictional reaches (Reaches A-N) are presented in greater detail, divided into the following three sections based on geography:


2

Section 1. Columbia – Canadian border to the WA-OR border (RM 745 – RM 309) (P. 6) Section 2. Lower-Columbia – WA-OR border to the Pacific Ocean (RM 309 – RM 0) (P. 13) Section 3. Lower-Snake – Salmon River to the Columbia River confluence (RM 188 – RM 0) (P.

18)

Each section contains detailed information about each applicable temperature WQS, including reach description, designated uses, numeric criterion, supplementary provisions, narrative criterion and natural conditions provisions. Supplementary provisions are not standalone provisions but when they are combined with other WQC, they establish the desired condition of the waterbody.

In Section 4, all numeric criteria for each river reach are compiled (individual rows) in Table 2, starting from the Canadian border and moving downstream, for each month (individual columns). This allows for a side-by-side comparison of temperature WQS as they apply throughout the year, in those reaches with adjacent jurisdictions (P. 25). The numeric criteria are illustrated geographically in Figure 2.


3

Figure 1: Columbia and Snake River Temperature WQS Jurisdictions and River Miles. Source: WA River Miles and Reservations from ECY, Dams from ACE, OR/ID River Miles from R10 GIS Team. Map created by Martin Merz, EPA R10 ORISE.


4

Table 1: Summary of temperature WQS for the Columbia and Snake Rivers, including aquatic life uses, numeric criteria and narrative criteria.

Map Jurisdiction River Miles

Supplementary Provisions &

Narrative Criterion

Numeric Criterion

Aquatic Life Use

A Washington

Canadian Border (745) to

Grand Coulee Dam (596)

(excluding RM 646.5-639)

0.3°C1 Natural

Conditions

16°C 7-DADM

Core Summer Salmonid Habitat

B Colville Tribe

N. Reservation Boundary (690)

to Chief Joseph Dam

(545)

Natural Conditions

16°C 1-DMaxP

0F

2 (CTCR 4-8)

Class I

18°C 1-DMaxP

1F

3 (40 CFR 131.35)

Class II

C Spokane Tribe

Reservation Boundary (646.5)

to Reservation Boundary

(639)

No Natural

Conditions

16.5°C 7-DADM (June 1 - Sept 1);

13.5° C 7-DADM (Sept 1 – Oct 1 & April 1 – June 1); 11°C 7-DADM

(Oct 1 – March 31)

Class AA

D Washington

Grand Coulee Dam (596)

to Priest Rapids Dam

(397)

0.3°C1 Natural

Conditions

17.5°C 7-DADM

Salmonid spawning,

rearing and migration

E Colville Tribe

Chief Joseph Dam (545)

to Okanogan River

(534)

Natural Conditions

18°C 1-DMaxP

2F

4 (40 CFR 131.35 & CTCR

4-8) Class II

1 A measurable change for temperature is an increase of 0.3°C or greater [173-201A-320] 2 Averaging period not provided – interpreted as daily maximum (1-DMax) 3 Averaging period not provided – interpreted as daily maximum (1-DMax) 4 Averaging period not provided – interpreted as daily maximum (1-DMax)


5



Narrative Criterion

Numeric Criterion

Aquatic Life Use

F Washington

Priest Rapids Dam (397)

to WA/OR Border

(309)

0.3°C1 Natural

Conditions

20°C 1-DMax

Salmonid spawning,


G Washington

WA/OR Border (309)

to Pacific Ocean (0)

0.3°C1 Natural

Conditions

20°C 1-DMax

Salmonid spawning,


H Oregon

WA/OR Border (309)


Cold Water Refugia;

HUA of 0.3°C

20°C 7-DADM

Salmon and Steelhead Migration Corridors

I Oregon

Ives Island (143.5) to

Beacon Rock (141.5)

HUA of 0.3°C

13°C 7-DADM

(Oct 15P

thP – Mar

31P

stP)

Salmon and Steelhead Spawning

through Fry Emergence

J Idaho

Salmon River (188) to

OR/WA/ID border (176)

Natural Conditions

22°C 1-DMax &

19°C MDA

Cold Water Aquatic Life

K Oregon

Salmon River (188) to


Cold Water Refugia;

HUA of 0.3°C

20°C 7-DADM

Salmon and Steelhead Migration Corridors

13°C 7-DADM

(Oct 23P

rdP – April

15P

thP)




6



Narrative Criterion

Numeric Criterion

Aquatic Life Use

L Idaho


to Clearwater River

(139)

Natural Conditions

22°C 1-DMax &

19°C MDA


M Washington


to Clearwater River

(139)

0.3°C1;

Natural Conditions

20°C 1-DMax

Salmonid spawning,


N Washington

Clearwater River (139)

to Snake Mouth (0)

0.3°C1; Natural

Conditions

20°C 1-DMax

Salmonid spawning,



7

Section 1. Columbia River Temperature Water Quality Standards

The Columbia is defined in this document as that portion of the river that extends from the Canadian border to the Washington-Oregon border (RM 745 – RM 309). Section 1 describes each jurisdictional reach on the Columbia – including aquatic life designated uses, numeric temperature criterion, and applicable narrative criteria.

Reach A:

Map Jurisdiction River Miles Narrative Criterion

Numeric Criterion

Aquatic Life Use

A Washington

Canadian Border (745) to

Grand Coulee Dam (596) (excluding Spokane/Colville

646.5 – 639)

Natural Conditions

16°C 7-DADM

Core Summer Salmonid Habitat

Reach Description: Columbia River in Washington from Canadian Border (RM 745) to Grand Coulee Dam (RM 596). This most upstream reach of the Columbia River in Washington is designated as Core Summer Salmonid Habitat. Washington State waters are adjacent to the Colville Tribal waters (Reach B) for portions of this reach. The Colville and Spokane Tribes share sole jurisdiction from RM 646.5 – RM 639. Canadian waters are Immediately upstream; Washington State waters (Reach D) and the Colville Tribal waters (Reach E) are immediately downstream.

Designated Use: Core Summer Salmonid Habitat is the Aquatic Life Use. Additional uses include Extraordinary primary contact recreation; Water Supply uses (domestic, industrial, agricultural & stock water); and Miscellaneous uses (wildlife habitat, harvesting, commerce/navigation, boating & aesthetics).5

Numeric Criterion: 16°C 7-DADM.6 Temperatures are not to exceed the criteria at a probability frequency of more than once every ten years on average.7

Supplementary Provision: A measurable change for temperature is an increase of 0.3°C or greater. 8

5 [WAC 173-201A-602] 6 [WAC 173-201A-200. Table 200(1)(c)] 7 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(iii)] 8 [WAC 173-201A-320]

https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/documents/0610091.pdf









8

Natural Condition < Criterion: “Natural conditions” are defined as the surface water quality that was present before any human-caused pollution.9 When the background condition of the water is cooler than the criteria in Table 200 (1)(c), the allowable rate of warming up to, but not exceeding, the numeric criteria from human actions is restricted as follows:10

• Incremental temperature increases from individual point source activities must not exceed 28/(T+7)11 as measured at the edge of a mixing zone boundary.12

• Incremental temperature increases resulting from the combined effect of all nonpoint source activities in the water body must not exceed 2.8°C (5.04°F).13

Natural Condition > Criterion (or within 0.3): “Natural conditions” are defined as the surface water quality that was present before any human-caused pollution.14 When a water body's temperature is warmer than the criteria in Table 200(1)(c) (or within 0.3°C (0.54°F) of the criteria) and that condition is due to natural conditions, then human actions considered cumulatively may not cause the 7-DADMax temperature of that water body to increase more than 0.3°C.15

Reach B:


Numeric Criterion

Aquatic Life Use

B Colville Tribe

N. Reservation Boundary (690)

to Chief Joseph Dam (545)

Natural Conditions

16°C 1-DMaxP12F

16 (CTCR 4-8)

Class I

18°C 1-DMaxP13F

17 (40 CFR 131.35)

Class II

Reach Description: This upstream reach of Colville Tribal waters extends from the Northern Reservation Boundary (RM 690) to Chief Joseph Dam (RM 545). It is designated as Class I in CTCR 4-8 and as Class II in 40 CFR part 131.3518. The Colville Tribal waters are adjacent to either Washington State waters (Reach A) or the Spokane Tribal waters (Reach C). Washington State waters are immediately upstream (Reach A); and Washington State waters (Reach D) and Colville Tribal waters (Reach E) are immediately downstream.

9 [WAC 173-201A-020] 10 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)] 11 “T” represents the background temperature as measured at a point or points unaffected by the discharge and representative of the highest ambient water temperature in the vicinity of the discharge. [WAC 173-201A (1)(c)(ii)(A)] 12 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)(A)] 13 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)(B)] 14 [WAC 173-201A-020] 15 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(i)] 16 Averaging period not provided – interpreted as daily maximum (1-DMax) 17 Averaging period not provided – interpreted as daily maximum (1-DMax) 18 40 CFR part 131.35 does not provide specific classifications for the Columbia River reaches it identifies in paragraph (h) and therefore these reaches are classified here as Class II, the class assignment for waters without specific classifications [40 CFR 131.35(g)(8)].










https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2005-title40-vol21/xml/CFR-2005-title40-vol21-sec131-35.xml



9

40 CFR Part 131.35 Colville Tribal Law and Order Code Part 4-8

Designated Uses: Class II (Excellent) Water supply (domestic, industrial, agricultural); Stock watering; Fish and shellfish (Salmonid migration, rearing, spawning, and harvesting; other fish migration, rearing, spawning, and harvesting); Wildlife habitat; Ceremonial and religious water use; Recreation (primary contact recreation, sport fishing, boating and aesthetic enjoyment); Commerce and navigation.19, 20

Designated Uses: Class I (Extraordinary) Water supply (domestic, industrial, and agricultural); Stock watering; Fish and shellfish (Salmonid migration, rearing, spawning, and harvesting; other fish migration, rearing, spawning, and harvesting); Ceremonial and religious water use; Recreation (primary contact recreation, sport fishing, boating and aesthetic enjoyment); Commerce and navigation.21, 22

Criterion: Shall not exceed 18.0°C [1-DMax]23 due to human activities.24

Criterion: shall not exceed 16.0°C [1-DMax]25 due to human activities.26

Natural Condition < Criterion: temperature increases shall not, at any time, exceed t=23/(T+5).27, 28

Natural Condition < Criterion: temperature increases shall not, at any time, exceed t=23/(T+5) 29, 30

Natural Condition > Criterion: No temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water by greater than 0.3°C [1-DMax]31, 32

Natural Condition > Criterion: No temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water by greater than 0.3°C [1-DMax]33,

34

19 [40 CFR 131.35(g)(8)] 20 [40 CFR 131.35(f)(2)] 21 [Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Tribal Water Quality Standards September, 2010 (4-8-8)(a)] 22 [Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Tribal Water Quality Standards September, 2010 (4-8-6)(a)(2)] 23 Averaging period not provided – interpreted as daily maximum (1-DMax) 24 [40 CFR 131.35(f)(2)(ii)(D)] 25 Averaging period not provided – interpreted as daily maximum (1-DMax) 26 [Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Tribal Water Quality Standards September, 2010 (4-8-6)(a)(3)(F)] 27 For purposes hereof, “t” represents the permissive temperature change across the dilution zone; and “T” represents the highest existing temperature in this water classification outside of any dilution zone [40 CFR 131.35(f)(2)(ii)(D)(2)]. 28 [40 CFR 131.35(f)(2)(ii)(D)] 29 For purposes hereof, “t” represents the permissive temperature change across the dilution zone; and “T” represents the highest existing temperature in this water classification outside of any dilution zone [CTCR 4-8-6 (a)(3)(F)(ii)]. 30 [Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Tribal Water Quality Standards September, 2010 (4-8-6)(a)(3)(F)] 31 Averaging period not provided – interpreted as daily maximum (1-DMax) 32 [40 CFR 131.35(f)(2)(ii)(D)(1)] 33 Averaging period not provided – interpreted as daily maximum (1-DMax) 34 [Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Tribal Water Quality Standards September, 2010 (4-8-6)(b)(3)(F)(i)]





https://static1.squarespace.com/static/572d09c54c2f85ddda868946/t/5824a1774402431a68a34e9d/1478795640147/4-8-Waterqualitystandards.pdf












https://usepa-my.sharepoint.com/personal/mann_laurie_epa_gov/Documents/CR%20Region%2010/WQ%20Standards/For%20purposes%20hereof,









10

Reach C:

Map Jurisdiction River Miles Narrative Criterion Numeric Criterion Aquatic

Life Use

C Spokane Tribe Reservation Boundary (646.5)

to Reservation Boundary (639)

No Natural

Conditions

16.5°C 7-DADM (June 1 - Sept 1); 13.5° C 7-DADM (Sept 1 – Oct 1

& April 1 – June 1); 11°C 7-DADM (Oct 1 – March 31)

Class AA

Reach Description: Columbia River in Spokane Tribal Waters from the upstream Reservation boundary (RM 646.5) to the Downstream Reservation boundary (RM 639). It is designated as Class AA. Spokane Tribal waters are adjacent to Colville Tribal waters (Reach B) in this reach; Colville Tribal waters (Reach B) and Washington State waters (Reach A) are immediately upstream; Washington State waters (Reach A) and Colville Tribal waters (Reach B) are immediately downstream.

Designated Uses: Class AA (Extraordinary). Primary contact ceremonial and spiritual; Cultural; Water supply (domestic, industrial, agricultural); Stock watering; Fish and shellfish, including: Salmonid migration, rearing, spawning, and harvesting. Other fish migration rearing, spawning, and harvesting. Clam, and mussel rearing, spawning, and harvesting. Mollusks, crustaceans and other shellfish rearing, spawning, and harvesting. Primary contact recreation; and Commerce and navigation. 35

Criterion: Not to exceed a 7-day average of the daily maximum temperature values greater than 16.5°C from June 1 to September 1. Not to exceed a 7-day average of the daily maximum temperature values greater than 13.5°C between September 1 and October 1 and between April 1 and June 1, and not to exceed 11°C from October 1 to April 1.36

Natural Condition < Criterion: The antidegradation policy and implementing method shall be consistent with Section 316 of the Clean Water Act, as amended [33 U.S.C. § 1326]37

Natural Condition > Criterion: No Natural Condition Criterion

35 [Spokane Tribe of Indians Surface Water Quality Standards March 7, 2003 (9)(1)(b)] 36 [Spokane Tribe of Indians Surface Water Quality Standards March 7, 2003 (9)(1)(c)(4)] 37 [Spokane Tribe of Indians Surface Water Quality Standards March 7, 2003S (4)(4)]

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-12/documents/spokane-tribe-wqs.pdf







11

Reach D:


Numeric Criterion Aquatic Life Use

D Washington Grand Coulee Dam (596)

to Priest Rapids Dam (397)

Natural Conditions

17.5°C 7-DADM

Salmonid spawning, rearing

and migration

Reach Description: Columbia River in Washington from Grand Coulee Dam (RM 596) to Priest Rapids Dam (RM 397). It is designated for Salmonid spawning, rearing and migration. Washington State waters are adjacent to Colville Tribal waters (Reaches B & E) for portions of this reach; Colville Tribal waters (Reach B) and Washington State waters (Reach A) are immediately upstream; Washington State waters are immediately downstream (Reach E).

Designated Use: Salmonid spawning, rearing and migration; Primary Contact Recreation; Water Supply uses (domestic, industrial, agricultural & stock water); and Miscellaneous uses (wildlife habitat, harvesting, commerce/navigation, boating & aesthetics)38

Numeric Criterion: 17.5°C 7-DADM.39 Temperatures are not to exceed the criteria at a probability frequency of more than once every ten years on average.40

Supplementary Provision: A measurable change for temperature is an increase of 0.3°C or greater.41

Natural Condition < Criterion: “Natural conditions” are defined as the surface water quality that was present before any human-caused pollution.42 When the background condition of the water is cooler than the criteria in Table 200 (1)(c), the allowable rate of warming up to, but not exceeding, the numeric criteria from human actions is restricted as follows43:

• Incremental temperature increases from individual point source activities must not exceed 28/(T+7)44 as measured at the edge of a mixing zone boundary.45

• Incremental temperature increases resulting from the combined effect of all nonpoint source activities in the water body must not exceed 2.8°C (5.04°F).46

38 [WAC 173-201A-602] 39 [WAC 173-201A-200. Table 200(1)(c)] 40 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(iii)] 41 [WAC 173-201A-320] 42 [WAC 173-201A-020] 43 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)] 44 “T” represents the background temperature as measured at a point or points unaffected by the discharge and representative of the highest ambient water temperature in the vicinity of the discharge. [WAC 173-201A (1)(c)(ii)(A)] 45 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)(A)] 46 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)(B)]




















12

Natural Condition > Criterion (or within 0.3): “Natural conditions” are defined as the surface water quality that was present before any human-caused pollution.47 When a water body's temperature is warmer than the criteria in Table 200(1)(c) (or within 0.3°C (0.54°F) of the criteria) and that condition is due to natural conditions, then human actions considered cumulatively may not cause the 7-DADMax temperature of that water body to increase more than 0.3°C48

47 [WAC 173-201A-020] 48 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(i)]




13

Reach E:

Map Jurisdiction River Miles Narrative Criterion Numeric Criterion Aquatic Life

Use

E Colville Tribe Chief Joseph Dam (545)

to Okanogan River (534)

Natural Conditions

18°C 1-DMaxP43F

49 (40 CFR 131.35 & CTCR 4-8)

Class II

Reach Description: This downstream reach of Colville Tribal waters extends from Chief Joseph Dam (RM 545) to the Okanogan River (RM 534), adjacent to the upstream reach of Colville Tribal waters (Reach B). This downstream reach of Colville Tribal waters is designated as Class II in CTCR 4-8 and in 40 CFR part 131.3550.Colville Tribal waters are adjacent to Washington State waters (Reach D); Washington State (Reach D) and Colville Tribal waters (Reach B) are immediately upstream; Washington waters (Reach D) are immediately downstream.

40 CFR Part 131.35 and Colville Tribal Law and Order Code Part 4-8

Designated Uses: Class II (Excellent). Water supply (domestic, industrial, and agricultural); Stock watering; Fish and shellfish (Salmonid migration, rearing, spawning, and harvesting; other fish migration, rearing, spawning, and harvesting; crayfish rearing, spawning, and harvesting); wildlife habitat; Ceremonial and religious water use; Recreation (primary contact recreation, sport fishing, boating and aesthetic enjoyment); Commerce and navigation.51, 52, 53, 54

Criterion: shall not exceed 18°C [1-DMax]55 due to human activities.56, 57

Natural Condition < Criterion: temperature increases shall not, at any time, exceed t40T=28/(T+7).58, 59, 60

Natural Condition > Criterion: No temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water by greater than 0.3°C [1-DMax]61, 62, 63

49 Averaging period not provided – interpreted as daily maximum (1-DMax) 50 40 CFR part 131.35 does not provide specific classifications for the Columbia River reaches it identifies in paragraph (h) and therefore these reaches are classified here as Class II, the class assignment for waters without specific classifications [40 CFR 131.35(g)(8)]. 51 [Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Tribal Water Quality Standards September, 2010 (4-8-8)(a)] 52 [Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Tribal Water Quality Standards September, 2010 (4-8-6)(b)(2)] 53 [40 CFR 131.35(g)(8)] 54 [40 CFR 131.35(f)(2)] 55 Averaging period not provided – interpreted as daily maximum (1-DMax) 56 [Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Tribal Water Quality Standards September, 2010 (4-8-6)(b)(3)(F)] 57 [40 CFR 131.35(f)(2)(ii)(D)] 58 For purposes hereof, “t” represents the permissive temperature change across the dilution zone; and “T” represents the highest existing temperature in this water classification outside of any dilution zone [CTCR 4-8-6 (b)(3)(F)(ii)]. 59 [Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Tribal Water Quality Standards September, 2010 (4-8-6)(a)(3)(F)] 60 [40 CFR 131.35(f)(2)(ii)(D)] 61 Averaging period not provided – interpreted as daily maximum (1-DMax) 62 [Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Tribal Water Quality Standards September, 2010 (4-8-6)(b)(3)(F)(i)] 63 [40 CFR 131.35(f)(2)(ii)(D)(1)]


























14

Reach F:



F Washington Priest Rapids Dam (397)

to WA/OR Border (309)

Natural Conditions

20°C 1-DMax

Salmonid spawning, rearing and migration

Reach Description: Columbia River in Washington from Priest Rapids Dam (RM 397) to WA/OR Border (RM 309). This reach of the Columbia River is designated for Salmonid spawning, rearing and migration. Washington State waters are not adjacent to other waters for this reach; Washington State (Reach D) is immediately upstream Oregon (Reach H) and Washington (Reach G) waters are immediately downstream.

Designated Use: Salmonid spawning, rearing and migration; Primary contact recreation; Water Supply uses (domestic, industrial, agricultural & stock water) and Miscellaneous uses (wildlife habitat, harvesting, commerce/navigation, boating & aesthetics).64

Numeric Criterion: Temperature shall not exceed a 1-day maximum (1-DMax) of 20.0°C due to human activities.65 Temperatures are not to exceed the criteria at a probability frequency of more than once every ten years on average.66


Natural Condition < Criterion: “Natural conditions” are defined as the surface water quality that was present before any human-caused pollution.68 […] nor shall such temperature increases, at any time, exceed t = 34/(T + 9) [Columbia River Note 2].69 When the background condition of the water is cooler than the criteria in Table 200 (1)(c), the allowable rate of warming up to, but not exceeding, the numeric criteria from human actions is restricted as follows70:

• Incremental temperature increases from individual point source activities must not exceed 28/(T+7)71 as measured at the edge of a mixing zone boundary [General provision]72

• Incremental temperature increases resulting from the combined effect of all nonpoint source activities in the water body must not exceed 2.8°C (5.04°F) [General provision]73

64 [WAC 173-201A-602] 65 [WAC 173-201A-602 – Columbia River Note 2] 66 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(iii)] 67 [WAC 173-201A-320] 68 [WAC 173-201A-020] 69 [WAC 173-201A-602 – Columbia River Note 2] 70 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)] 71 “T” represents the background temperature as measured at a point or points unaffected by the discharge and representative of the highest ambient water temperature in the vicinity of the discharge. [WAC 173-201A (1)(c)(ii)(A)] 72 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)(A)] 73 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)(B)]






















15

Natural Condition > Criterion: “Natural conditions” are defined as the surface water quality that was present before any human-caused pollution.74 When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C, no temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature increases, at any time, exceed t = 34/(T + 9)75

Section 2. Lower Columbia River Temperature Water Quality Standards

The lower Columbia is defined in this document as that portion of the Columbia that extends from the Washington-Oregon border to the river mouth (RM 309 – RM 0). Section 2 describes each jurisdictional reach on the lower Columbia – including aquatic life designated uses, numeric temperature criterion, and applicable narrative criteria.

Reach G:



G Washington WA/OR Border (309)


Natural Conditions

20°C 1-DMax


Reach Description: Columbia River in Washington from WA/OR border (RM 309) to the river mouth at the Pacific Ocean (RM 0). This reach of the Columbia River in Washington is designated for Salmonid spawning, rearing and migration. Washington waters are adjacent to Oregon waters (Reaches H & I); immediate upstream jurisdiction belongs to Washington State (Reach F).

Designated Use: Salmonid Spawning, Rearing, and Migration; Primary Contact Recreation; Water Supply uses (domestic, industrial, agricultural & stock water); and Miscellaneous uses (wildlife habitat, harvesting, commerce/navigation, boating & aesthetics).76



74 [WAC 173-201A-020] 75 [WAC 173-201A-602 – Columbia River Note 2] 76 [WAC 173-201A-602] 77 [WAC 173-201A-602 – Columbia River Note 1] 78 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(iii)] 79 [WAC 173-201A-320]












16

Natural Condition < Criterion: “Natural conditions” are defined as the surface water quality that was present before any human-caused pollution.80 […] nor shall such temperature increases, at any time, exceed 0.3°C due to any single source or 1.1 C due to all such activities combined [Columbia River Note 1]81 When the background condition of the water is cooler than the criteria in Table200 (1)(c), the allowable rate of warming up to, but not exceeding, the numeric criteria from human actions is restricted as follows82:



Natural Condition > Criterion: “Natural conditions” are defined as the surface water quality that was present before any human-caused pollution.86

When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C, no temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature increases, at any time, exceed 0.3°C due to any single source or 1.1 C due to all such activities combined.87

Reach H:

Map Jurisdiction River Miles Narrative Criterion Numeric Criterion Aquatic Life Use

H Oregon WA/OR Border (309)


Cold Water Refugia; Human Use Allowance; Protecting Cold

Water

20°C 7-DADM

Salmon and Steelhead

Migration Corridors

Reach Description: Columbia River in Oregon from WA/OR border (RM 309) to mouth at Pacific Ocean (RM 0). The entire reach is designated by Oregon for salmon and steelhead migration

80 [WAC 173-201A-020] 81 [WAC 173-201A-602 – Columbia River Note 1] 82 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)] 83 “T” represents the background temperature as measured at a point or points unaffected by the discharge and representative of the highest ambient water temperature in the vicinity of the discharge. [WAC 173-201A (1)(c)(ii)(A)] 84 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)(A)] 85 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)(B)] 86 [WAC 173-201A-020] 87 [WAC 173-201A-602 – Columbia River Note 1]
















17

corridors. Oregon State waters are adjacent to Washington state waters (Reach G) for the entire reach; and one other Oregon standard (Reach I) applies for a portion of this reach; Washington State waters are immediately upstream (Reach F).

General Designated Use: Public Domestic Water Supply; Private Domestic Water Supply; Industrial Water Supply; Irrigation Livestock Watering; Fish & Aquatic Life; Wildlife & Hunting; Fishing; Boating; Water Contact Recreation; Aesthetic Quality; Hydro Power (only RM 86-309); Commercial Navigation & Transportation.88

Aquatic Designated Use: Salmon and Steelhead Migration Corridors89; Shad and Sturgeon Spawning and Rearing (RM 203 – RM 147 only).90

Numeric Criterion: The seven-day-average maximum temperature of a stream identified as having a migration corridor use on subbasin maps and tables OAR 340-041-0101 to 340-041-0340: Tables 101B, and 121B, and Figures 151A, 170A, 300A, and 340A, may not exceed 20.0°C (68.0 degrees Fahrenheit).91

Narrative Criterion: Cold Water Refugia92. In addition, these water bodies must have cold water refugia that's sufficiently distributed so as to allow salmon and steelhead migration without significant adverse effects from higher water temperatures elsewhere in the water body. Seasonal Thermal Pattern. The seasonal thermal pattern in Columbia and Snake Rivers must reflect the natural seasonal thermal pattern.93

Supplementary Provision. Human Use Allowance. Insignificant additions of heat are authorized in waters that exceed the applicable temperature criteria as follows:94 […] Following a temperature TMDL or other cumulative effects analysis, waste load and load allocations will restrict all NPDES point sources and nonpoint sources to a cumulative increase of no greater than 0.3 degrees Celsius (0.5 Fahrenheit) above the applicable criteria after complete mixing in the water body, and at the point of maximum impact.95

Current Conditions < Criterion: Protecting Cold Water. Except as described in subsection (c) of this rule, waters of the State that have summer seven-day-average maximum ambient temperatures that are colder than the biologically based criteria in section (4) of this rule, may not be warmed by more than 0.3 degrees Celsius (0.5 degrees Fahrenheit) above the colder water ambient temperature. This provision applies to all sources taken together at the point of maximum impact where salmon, steelhead or bull trout are present.96

88 [OAR 340-041-0101 – Table 101A] 89 [OAR 340-041-0101 – Table 101B] 90 [OAR 340-041-0101 – Table 101B] 91 [OAR 340-041-0028(4)(d)] 92 Cold Water Refugia" means those portions of a water body where or times during the diel temperature cycle when the water temperature is at least 2 degrees Celsius colder than the daily maximum temperature of the adjacent well-mixed flow of the water body. [OAR 340-041-0002] 93 [OAR 340-041-0028(4)(d)] 94 [OAR 340-041-0028(12)] 95 [OAR 340-041-0028(12)(B)] 96 [OAR 340-041-0028(11)(a)]

http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/rules/div041/dbutables/table101a.pdf

http://www.deq.state.or.us/wq/rules/div041/futables/table101b.pdf




https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-12/documents/orwqs-chapter340.pdf













18

A point source that discharges into or above salmon & steelhead spawning waters that are colder than the spawning criterion, may not cause the water temperature in the spawning reach where the physical habitat for spawning exists during the time spawning through emergence use occurs, to increase more than the following amounts after complete mixing of the effluent with the river:97 If the rolling 60 day average maximum ambient water temperature, between the dates of spawning use as designated under subsection (4)(a) of this rule, is 10 to 12.8 degrees Celsius, the allowable increase is 0.5 Celsius above the 60 day average; or98 If the rolling 60 day average maximum ambient water temperature, between the dates of spawning use as designated under subsection (4)(a) of this rule, is less than 10 degrees Celsius, the allowable increase is 1.0 Celsius above the 60 day average, unless the source provides analysis showing that a greater increase will not significantly impact the survival of salmon or steelhead eggs or the timing of salmon or steelhead fry emergence from the gravels in downstream spawning reach.99 The cold water protection narrative criteria in subsection (a) do not apply if:100 [see standards document for details]101, 102, 103

Natural Condition > Criterion: No Natural Conditions Criterion

Reach I:



I Oregon Ives Island (143.5)

to Beacon Rock (141.5)

Human Use Allowance

13°C 7-DADM

(October 15th – March 31st)

Salmon and Steelhead Spawning through Fry

Emergence

Reach Description: Columbia River in Oregon from Ives Island (RM 143.5) to Beacon Rock (RM 141.5). This Columbia River reach is designated as Salmon and Steelhead Spawning through Fry Emergence. Oregon state waters are adjacent to Washington state waters (Reach G) and another Oregon Standard (Reach H); Washington (Reach G) and Oregon (Reach H) waters are immediately upstream and downstream.

Aquatic Designate Use: Salmon and Steelhead Spawning through Fry Emergence.104

97 [OAR 340-041-0028(11)(b)] 98 [OAR 340-041-0028(11)(b)(A)] 99 [OAR 340-041-0028(11)(b)(B)] 100 [OAR 340-041-0028(11)(c)] 101 [OAR 340-041-0028(11)(c)(A)] 102 [OAR 340-041-0028(11)(c)(B)] 103 [OAR 340-041-0028(11)(c)(C)] 104 [OAR 340-041-0101 – Table 101B]
















19

Numeric Criterion: The seven-day-average maximum temperature of a stream identified as having salmon and steelhead spawning use on subbasin maps and tables set out in OAR 340-041-0101 to 340-041-0340: Tables 101B, and 121B, and Figures 130B, 151B, 160B, 170B, 220B, 230B, 271B, 286B, 300B, 310B, 320B, and 340B, may not exceed 13.0°C (55.4 degrees Fahrenheit) at the times indicated on these maps and tables.105; From Table: (October 15th – March 31st).106

Section 3: Lower Snake River Temperature Water Quality Standards The lower Snake is defined in this document as that portion of the Snake that extends from the Salmon River to the river mouth, where the Snake River flows into the Columbia River (RM 188 – RM 0). Section 3 describes each jurisdictional reach on the lower Snake – including aquatic life designated uses, numeric temperature criterion, and applicable narrative criteria.

Reach J:


Numeric Criterion

Aquatic Life Use

J Idaho Salmon River (188)

to OR/WA/ID border (176)

Natural Conditions

22°C DM &

19°C MDA


Reach Description: Snake River in Idaho from the Salmon River (RM 188) to OR/WA/ID border (RM 176). This reach of the Snake river is designated by Idaho for cold water aquatic life. Idaho State waters are adjacent to Oregon State waters (Reach K) in this reach; Idaho State and Oregon State are immediately upstream; Idaho State waters (Reach L) and Washington State waters (Reach M) are immediately downstream.

Designated Use: Cold Water Aquatic Life; Primary Contact Recreation; Domestic Water Supply.107

Numeric Criterion: Water temperatures of twenty-two (22) degrees C or less with a maximum daily average of no greater than nineteen (19) degrees C.108

105 [OAR 340-041-0028(4)(a)] 106 [OAR 340-041-0101 – Table 101B] 107 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Table 2] 108 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 250 (2)(b)]



https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-12/documents/idwqs.pdf





20

Narrative Criterion: Natural Background Conditions [refer to] [t]he physical, chemical, biological, or radiological conditions existing in a water body without human sources of pollution within the watershed. Natural disturbances including, but not limited to, wildfire, geologic disturbance, diseased vegetation, or flow extremes that affect the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the water are part of natural background conditions. Natural background conditions should be described and evaluated taking into account this inherent variability with time and place.109 Temperature: The wastewater must not affect the receiving water outside the mixing zone so that:110

a. The temperature of the receiving water or of downstream waters will interfere with designated beneficial uses.111 b. Daily and seasonal temperature cycles characteristic of the water body are not maintained.112 d. If the water is designated for cold water aquatic life, seasonal cold water aquatic life, or salmonid spawning, the induced variation is more than plus one (+1) degree C.113

[*NOTE: IDEQ deleted this provision (d) from their WQS in 2012 and submitted to EPA for review in 2013. EPA has not yet acted on this, therefore it is still in effect for CWA purposes]

Natural Conditions < Criterion: Criterion applies

Natural Condition > Criterion: When natural background conditions exceed any applicable water quality criteria set forth in Sections 210, 250, 251, 252, or 253, the applicable water quality criteria shall not apply; instead, there shall be no lowering of water quality from natural background conditions. Provided, however, that temperature may be increased above natural background conditions when allowed under Section 401.114

Section 401 reads: Temperature: The wastewater must not affect the receiving water outside the mixing zone so that:115

c. If temperature criteria for the designated aquatic life use are exceeded in the receiving waters upstream of the discharge due to natural background conditions, then wastewater must not raise the receiving water temperatures by more than three tenths (0.3) degrees C.116

109 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 10 (63)] 110 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 401(1)] 111 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 401(1)(a)] 112 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 401(1)(b)] 113 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 401(1)(d) (IAC 2011)] 114 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 200 (9)] 115 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 401(1)] 116 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 401(1)(c)]









https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/2011/58/0102.pdf









21

Reach K:



K Oregon Salmon River (188)

to OR/WA/ID border (176)

Cold Water Refugia;

Human Use Allowance

20°C 7-DADM

Salmon and Steelhead Migration

Corridors

13°C 7-DADM (Oct 23 – April 15)



Reach Description: Snake River in Oregon from Salmon River (RM 188) to OR/WA/ID Border (R 176). This reach of the Snake river is designated by Oregon for salmon and steelhead migration corridors, and for part of the year is designated for salmon and steelhead spawning through fry emergence. Oregon State waters are adjacent to Idaho State waters (Reach J) in this reach; Idaho and Oregon state waters are immediately upstream; Idaho (Reach L) and Washington (Reach M) state waters are immediately downstream.

General Designated Use: Public Domestic Water Supply; Private Domestic Water Supply; Industrial Water Supply; Irrigation Livestock Watering; Fish & Aquatic Life; Wildlife & Hunting; Fishing; Boating; Water Contact Recreation; Aesthetic Quality; Hydro Power (only RM 86-309); Commercial Navigation & Transportation.117 Aquatic Life Designated Uses: i) Salmon and Steelhead Migration Corridors ii) Salmon and Steelhead Spawning through Fry Emergence Numeric Criterion: i) 20°C 7-DADM.118 ii) 13°C 7-DADM119 (Oct 23 – April 15)120 Supplementary Criterion: Human Use Allowance. Insignificant additions of heat are authorized in waters that exceed the applicable temperature criteria as follows:121 […] Following a temperature TMDL or other cumulative effects analysis, waste load and load allocations will restrict all NPDES point sources and nonpoint sources to a cumulative increase of no greater than 0.3 degrees Celsius (0.5 Fahrenheit) above the applicable criteria after complete mixing in the water body, and at the point of maximum impact.122

117 [OAR 340-041-0121 – Table 121 A] 118 [OAR 340-041-0028(4)(d)] 119 [OAR 340-041-0028(4)(a)] 120 [OAR 340-041-0121 – Table 121B] 121 [OAR 340-041-0028(12)] 122 [OAR 340-041-0028(12)(B)]














22

Narrative Criterion: Cold Water Refugia.123In addition, these water bodies must have cold water refugia that's sufficiently distributed so as to allow salmon and steelhead migration without significant adverse effects from higher water temperatures elsewhere in the water body. Seasonal Thermal Pattern. The seasonal thermal pattern in Columbia and Snake Rivers must reflect the natural seasonal thermal pattern.124 Current Conditions < Criterion: Except as described in subsection (c) of this rule, waters of the State that have summer seven-day-average maximum ambient temperatures that are colder than the biologically based criteria in section (4) of this rule, may not be warmed by more than 0.3 degrees Celsius (0.5 degrees Fahrenheit) above the colder water ambient temperature. This provision applies to all sources taken together at the point of maximum impact where salmon, steelhead or bull trout are present.125

A point source that discharges into or above salmon & steelhead spawning waters that are colder than the spawning criterion, may not cause the water temperature in the spawning reach where the physical habitat for spawning exists during the time spawning through emergence use occurs, to increase more than the following amounts after complete mixing of the effluent with the river:126

If the rolling 60 day average maximum ambient water temperature, between the dates of spawning use as designated under subsection (4)(a) of this rule, is 10 to 12.8 degrees Celsius, the allowable increase is 0.5 Celsius above the 60 day average; or127

If the rolling 60 day average maximum ambient water temperature, between the dates of spawning use as designated under subsection (4)(a) of this rule, is less than 10 degrees Celsius, the allowable increase is 1.0 Celsius above the 60 day average, unless the source provides analysis showing that a greater increase will not significantly impact the survival of salmon or steelhead eggs or the timing of salmon or steelhead fry emergence from the gravels in downstream spawning reach128

The cold water protection narrative criteria in subsection (a) do not apply if:129 [see standards document for details]130, 131, 132 Natural Condition > Criterion: No Natural Conditions Criterion

123 Cold Water Refugia" means those portions of a water body where or times during the diel temperature cycle when the water temperature is at least 2 degrees Celsius colder than the daily maximum temperature of the adjacent well-mixed flow of the water body. [OAR 340-041-0002] 124 [OAR 340-041-0028(4)(d)] 125 [OAR 340-041-0028(11)(a)] 126 [OAR 340-041-0028(11)(b)] 127 [OAR 340-041-0028(11)(b)(A)] 128 [OAR 340-041-0028(11)(b)(B)] 129 [OAR 340-041-0028(11)(c)] 130 [OAR 340-041-0028(11)(c)(A)] 131 [OAR 340-041-0028(11)(c)(B)] 132 [OAR 340-041-0028(11)(c)(C)]



















23

Reach L:


Numeric Criterion

Aquatic Life Use

L Idaho OR/WA/ID border (176)

to Clearwater River (139)

Natural Conditions

22°C 1-DMax &

19°C MDA


Reach Description: Snake River in Idaho from WA/OR/ID Border (RM 176) to Clearwater River (RM 139). This reach of the Snake River is designated by Idaho for cold water aquatic life. Idaho state waters are adjacent to Washington state waters (Reach M) in this reach; Idaho (Reach J) and Oregon (Reach K) waters are immediately upstream; Washington State waters (Reach N) are immediately downstream.

Designated Use: Cold Water Aquatic Life; Primary Contact Recreation; Domestic Water Supply.133

Numeric Criterion: Water temperatures of twenty-two (22) degrees C or less with a maximum daily average of no greater than nineteen (19) degrees C.134

Narrative Criterion: Natural Background Conditions [refer to] [t]he physical, chemical, biological, or radiological conditions existing in a water body without human sources of pollution within the watershed. Natural disturbances including, but not limited to, wildfire, geologic disturbance, diseased vegetation, or flow extremes that affect the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the water are part of natural background conditions. Natural background conditions should be described and evaluated taking into account this inherent variability with time and place.135

Temperature: The wastewater must not affect the receiving water outside the mixing zone so that:136

a. The temperature of the receiving water or of downstream waters will interfere with designated beneficial uses.137 b. Daily and seasonal temperature cycles characteristic of the water body are not maintained.138 d. If the water is designated for cold water aquatic life, seasonal cold water aquatic life, or salmonid spawning, the induced variation is more than plus one (+1) degree C.139

[*NOTE: IDEQ deleted this provision (d) from their WQS in 2012 and submitted to EPA for review in 2013. EPA has not yet acted on this, therefore it is still in effect for CWA purposes]

Natural Conditions < Criterion: Criterion Applies

133 [IDAPA 58.01.02 Table 2] 134 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 250 (2)(b)] 135 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 10 (63)] 136 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 401(1)] 137 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 401(1)(a)] 138 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 401(1)(b)] 139 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 401(1)(d) (IAC 2011)]
















24

Natural Condition > Criterion: When natural background conditions exceed any applicable water quality criteria set forth in Sections 210, 250, 251, 252, or 253, the applicable water quality criteria shall not apply; instead, there shall be no lowering of water quality from natural background conditions. Provided, however, that temperature may be increased above natural background conditions when allowed under Section 401.140

Section 401 reads: Temperature: The wastewater must not affect the receiving water outside the mixing zone so that:141

c. If temperature criteria for the designated aquatic life use are exceeded in the receiving waters upstream of the discharge due to natural background conditions, then wastewater must not raise the receiving water temperatures by more than three tenths (0.3) degrees C.142

Reach M:



M Washington OR/WA/ID border (176)

to Clearwater River (139)

Natural Conditions

20°C 1-DMax


Reach Description: Snake River in Washington from WA/OR/ID Border (RM 176) to Clearwater River (RM 139). This reach of the Snake River is designated for salmon spawning, rearing and migration. Washington State waters are adjacent to Idaho State waters (Reach L) in this reach; Idaho State (Reach J) and Oregon State (Reach K) waters are immediately upstream; Washington State waters (Reach N) are immediately downstream.




140 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 200 (9)] 141 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 401(1)] 142 [IDAPA 58.01.02 – Section 401(1)(c)] 143 [WAC 173-201A-602] 144 [WAC 173-201A-602 – WRIA 35 Note 2(b)] 145 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(iii)] 146 [WAC 173-201A-320]
















25

Natural Condition < Criterion: “Natural conditions” are defined as the surface water quality that was present before any human-caused pollution.147 […] nor shall such temperature increases, at any time, exceed 0.3°C due to any single source or 1.1°C due to all such activities combined [WRIA 35 Note 2(b)]148 When the background condition of the water is cooler than the criteria in Table200 (1)(c), the allowable rate of warming up to, but not exceeding, the numeric criteria from human actions is restricted as follows149:



Natural Conditions > Criterion: “Natural conditions” are defined as the surface water quality that was present before any human-caused pollution.153

When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C, no temperature increases will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature increases, at any time, exceed 0.3°C due to any single source or 1.1°C due to all such activities combined.154

Reach N:



N Washington Clearwater River (139)

to Snake Mouth (0)

Natural Conditions

20°C 1-DMax


Reach Description: Snake River in Washington from Clearwater River (RM 139) to Mouth (RM 0). This reach of the Snake River in Washington is designated for salmonid spawning, rearing and migration. Idaho State (Reach L) and Washington State (Reach M) waters are immediately upstream; Washington State (Reach F) waters are immediately downstream, at the confluence with the Columbia River.

147 [WAC 173-201A-020] 148 [WAC 173-201A-602 – WRIA 35 Note 2(b)] 149 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)] 150 “T” represents the background temperature as measured at a point or points unaffected by the discharge and representative of the highest ambient water temperature in the vicinity of the discharge. [WAC 173-201A (1)(c)(ii)(A)] 151 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)(A)] 152 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)(B)] 153 [WAC 173-201A-020] 154 [WAC 173-201A-602 – WRIA 35 Note 2(b)]


















26




Natural Condition < Criterion: “Natural conditions” are defined as the surface water quality that was present before any human-caused pollution.159 […] nor shall such temperature increases, at any time, exceed t = 34/(T + 9) [WRIA 35 Note 2(a)].160 When the background condition of the water is cooler than the criteria in Table 200 (1)(c), the allowable rate of warming up to, but not exceeding, the numeric criteria from human actions is restricted as follows161:



Natural Conditions > Criterion: “Natural conditions” are defined as the surface water quality that was present before any human-caused pollution.165 When natural conditions exceed a 1-DMax of 20.0°C, no temperature increase will be allowed which will raise the receiving water temperature by greater than 0.3°C; nor shall such temperature increases, at any time, exceed t = 34/(T + 9)166

155 [WAC 173-201A-602] 156 [WAC 173-201A-602 – WRIA 35 Note 2(a)] 157 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(iii)] 158 [WAC 173-201A-320] 159 [WAC 173-201A-020] 160 [WAC 173-201A-602 – WRIA 35 Note 2(a)] 161 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)] 162 “T” represents the background temperature as measured at a point or points unaffected by the discharge and representative of the highest ambient water temperature in the vicinity of the discharge. [WAC 173-201A (1)(c)(ii)(A)] 163 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)(A)] 164 [WAC 173-201A-200 (1)(c)(ii)(B)] 165 [WAC 173-201A-020] 166 [WAC 173-201A-602 – WRIA 35 Note 2(a)]























27

Section 4: Comparing Water Quality Standards for Each Reach Table 2 is designed to highlight jurisdictional WQS changes (upstream/downstream or left bank/right bank) for each geographic reach of the Columbia and Snake Rivers. For the ten river reaches where WQS from two jurisdictions apply, those standards are placed side by side in Table 2. Because some WQSs are established for specific times of the year, Table 2 includes a column for each month. Averaging periods are displayed using asterisks that are explained at the bottom of the table. In limited situations, the most stringent numeric standards are readily identified and are highlighted green. In many cases, numeric standards have different averaging periods, and site-specific data are required in order to identify the most stringent standard. In these situations, multiple numeric standards are highlighted green. Numeric standards that are obviously less stringent are highlighted in red. In Figure 2, the numeric criteria are illustrated geographically.


28

Table 2: Mainstem temperature WQS for the Columbia, Lower Columbia and Lower Snake Rivers.

Reaches River Miles River Jurisdiction Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Colu

mbi

a

A 745 - 690 C WA 16 7-DADM (WA) AB 690 - 646.5 C WA Colville 16 DM (COL) – 18 DM (COL) – 16 7-DADM (WA)

BC 646.5 - 639 C Colville Spokane

16 DM (COL) 18 DM (COL)

11 7-DADM (SP)


13.5 7-DADM (SP)


16.5 7-DADM (SP)

16 DM (COL) 18 DM (COL) 13.5 7-DADM

(SP)


11 7-DADM (SP) AB 639 - 596 C WA Colville 16 DM (COL) – 18 DM (COL) – 16 7-DADM (WA)

GRAND COULEE DAM (RM 596) BD 596 - 545 C WA Colville 16 DM (COL) – 18 DM (COL) – 17.5 7-DADM (WA)

CHIEF JOSEPH DAM (RM 545) DE 545 - 534 C WA Colville 18 DM (COL) – 17.5 7-DADM (WA) D 534 - 515 C WA 17.5 7-DADM (WA)

WELLS DAM (RM 515) D 515 - 473 C WA 17.5 7-DADM (WA)

ROCKY REACH DAM (RM 473) D 473 - 353 C WA 17.5 7-DADM (WA)

ROCK ISLAND DAM (RM 453) D 453 - 415 C WA 17.5 7-DADM (WA)

WANAPUM DAM (RM 415) D 415 - 397 C WA 17.5 7-DADM (WA)

PRIEST RAPIDS DAM (RM 397) F 397 - 309 C WA 20 DM (WA)

WA/OR BORDER

Low

er C

GH 309 – 292 C WA OR 20 DM (WA) – 20 7-DADM (OR) McNARY DAM (RM 292)

GH 292 – 216 C WA OR 20 DM (WA) – 20 7-DADM (OR)


29

JOHN DAM DAM (RM 216) GH 216 – 192 C WA OR 20 DM (WA) – 20 7-DADM (OR)

THE DALLES DAM (RM 192) GH 192 – 146 C WA OR 20 DM (WA) – 20 7-DADM (OR)

BONNEVILLE DAM (RM 146) GH 146 – 143.5 C WA OR 20 DM (WA) – 20 7-DADM (OR)

GHI 143.5 - 141.5 C WA OR OR 20 DM (WA)

13 7-DADM (OR) 20 DM (WA)

20 7-DADM (OR)

20 DM (WA) 13 7-DADM (OR)

(after Oct 15th)

GH 141.5 - 0 C WA OR 20 DM (WA) – 20 7-DADM (OR)

Snak

e

JK 188 - 176 S OR ID

19 MDA & 22 DM (ID) 13 7-DADM (OR)

(until April 15th)

19 MDA (ID) & 22 DM (ID) 20 7-DADM (OR)

19 MDA & 22 DM (ID) 13 7-DADM (OR)

(after Oct 23rd)

LM 176 - 139 S WA ID 22 DM & 19 MDA (ID) – 20 DM (WA)

N 139 - 107 S WA 20 DM (WA)

LOWER GRANITE DAM (RM 107)

N 107 - 70 S WA 20 DM (WA)

LITTLE GOOSE DAM (RM 70)

N 70 - 42 S WA 20 DM (WA)

LOWER MONUMENTAL DAM (RM 42)

N 42 - 10 S WA 20 DM (WA)

ICE HARBOR DAM (RM 10)

N 10 - 0 S WA 20 DM (WA)


30

Figure 2: Columbia and Snake River Temperature WQS Jurisdictions, River Miles and Numeric Criteria. Source: WA River Miles and Reservations from ECY, Dams from ACE, OR/ID River Miles from R10 GIS Team. Map created by Martin Merz, EPA R10 ORISE